Chronic absenteeism is a crisis in DC. Too many students are missing too much school, putting their learning and their futures at risk. As a State Board of Education member, I will show up for students, families, and educators—and bring them together to confront this crisis.

I am a proud Spelman College graduate, the mother of two boys, a former teacher and PTO president, and an education advocate with more than 20 years of experience. I know that getting a child to school—and making sure that school is a place where the child wants to be—takes engaged families, supported teachers, strong academics, and opportunities that inspire students to learn.

As Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & National Partnerships at EdTrust, I have brought people together across the country to fight for students. I will bring that experience home to Ward 5 to strengthen our schools, and stand up to Donald Trump and out-of-town billionaires trying to impose their agenda on DC's children.